This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed at determining present infection control practices in hospitals located in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, specifically covering topics on hand hygiene, preparation and administration of intravenous fluids and injectable medications, instrument and equipment decontamination, cleaning, sterilization and disinfection, and isolation precautions. Data gathering was done through survey questionnaire and direct observation. A total of 16 respondents for the survey, 4 in each hospital and a total of 96 respondents for direct observation in all hospitals were included. Results show that hand hygiene before and after patient contact is not commonly done in all 4 hospitals. Most of the practices done on preparation and administration of intravenous fluids and injectable medications are considered unsafe practices except for the disposal of waste sharps which is properly done in almost all observation. All hospitals comply with most recommend practices on instrument decontamination and cleaning except for the use of separate rooms for soiled and clean items which is only practiced in two of the hospitals. Recommended practices on instrument sterilization and cleaning are not usually followed in the hospitals. Majority does not use both biological and chemical indicators in monitoring the effectiveness of sterilization, and sterile packs are only stored directly on shelves or carts. All hospitals have isolation rooms for patients with contagious diseases. However, other recommended practices for isolation are not followed. This study concludes that all hospital in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay do not consistently and thoroughly follow most of the recommended practices for infection control. It is recommended that each hospital should develop an effective infection control program that will include components such as education and training of all health workers, surveillance, and effective work practices and procedures. Hospital administrations should likewise prioritize the implementation of proper infection control guidelines in their respective hospitals.

Keyword: Infection control